Darren@Partners

1. If a proven producer of leads a high initail subscription (say $350) would be in order. Weed out hacks.

2. $35-$45 per qualified lead.

3. 3 contractors max.

4. No, an immediate refund should be issued. If the service turns lousy, the contractor is left holding "credits" for crappy leads. Also would induce the LGS to provide only SOLID leads if they know they'll have the refund the $ at their own cost. In fact, the contractor should be reimbursed at 150% of the initial cost to pay his/her time to call the LGS to report the crap lead.

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Darren@Partners

And they ought to give the first 10 leads free to prove their worth, before the contractor pays a dime. They all brag how great they are, let em put up something to prove it.

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russellmcox

I respect your comments, and I understand that you've been dissappointed with other LGS services. But, there are concerns on both sides of the issue. A more reasoned approach may be in order...

Issue 1: If a proven producer of leads a high initail subscription (say $350) would be in order. Weed out hacks.

Response: I have in mind an annual subscription fee of $299... ($249 to organized groups)... In the case of a new start-up LGS, the initial subscription period might be doubled to compensate for a slow start in producing leads.

Issue 2: $35-$45 per qualified lead.

Response: I have in mind $24.95, with the possibility that some contractor services might even be lower. In no case would the Lead Cost be tied to the value of the job.

Issue 3: 3 contractors max.

Response: This is a good number... with the proviso that the Owner can re-issue the project for additional responses if desired.

Issue 4: No, an immediate refund should be issued. If the service turns lousy, the contractor is left holding "credits" for crappy leads. Also would induce the LGS to provide only SOLID leads if they know they'll have the refund the $ at their own cost. In fact, the contractor should be reimbursed at 150% of the initial cost to pay his/her time to call the LGS to report the crap lead.

Response: LGS's can't easily control the quality of the Leads. I have in mind a custom questionnaire for each type of service that might improve the quality, but it can't completely eliminate the "crappy leads". All I can do is to allow you to see the detail provided by the Owner and decide for yourself whether you want to acquire the lead. After that the sales lead is just like any other lead you currently receive by other means. Some are good... some ain't.

Keep in mind that like other businesses, LGS's have expenses. I don't mean to imply that this should be shouldered unreasonably by the Contractor, but some money does have to be spent in advance and is not recoverable. It would certainly seem that the BIG LGS's that are treating you unfairly have lots of bucks, but startup LGS's trying to respond to industry needs with an honest service can't do it by giving it away.

Your thoughts?

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Russell Cox
QualityContractorServices

UnitedMA

We've used them a couple times in the past. They always claim to have new features, but its' the same old junk. These online companies change so quickly, even the reliable ones are only good for a limited time.

Nothing beats word of mouth, referrals and direct traffic to your website.

Darren@Partners

Keep in mind that like other businesses, LGS's have expenses. I don't mean to imply that this should be shouldered unreasonably by the Contractor, but some money does have to be spent in advance and is not recoverable. It would certainly seem that the BIG LGS's that are treating you unfairly have lots of bucks, but startup LGS's trying to respond to industry needs with an honest service can't do it by giving it away.

Your thoughts?[/quote]


Sorry, haven't had time to check your response... been out chasing those quality leads form Contractor management LLC

I would not be behind an initial subscription in the $600 range because it's "new". That's bs. No one paid me double when I started up did they?

Keep in mind, contractors, like other businesses , have expenses. I don't mean to imply that it should shouldered unreasonably by the LGS, but some money has ALREADY been spent in advance and is not recoverable. It seems that big contractors have big bucks to spend on LGS, but the small contractor does not have it to finance an new LGS's "start-up costs".

What if I went down to a new bank that had just opened up a took out a loan. And they tell me, sorry, we're just starting up so your interest will be double.

I thought you might be on to something, Russ. Sounds like you are, same ole gouge game.....

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adwilk

Its been my experience that the companies, contractors that have done well with any type of lead generation service are those with strong sales skills and ridiculously high closing ratios, even figured beyond referral leads. Referral and repeat can drastically skew overall closing percentages but thats another conversation for another time. Leads are expensive, so are good leads. Letting somebody else find them for you seems like a no brainer to me. Even if you only sell 1 out of 10, the service could be paid for depending on what work you do. Get better at closing and that 1 turns to 3 or 4. Then referrals and so on. Putting names in your database is huge, letting others find those names... might as well.

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UnitedMA

We've found in our market, we have a drastic difference is success based on the town and city we're accepting leads from.

We've also found that it is crutial to explain to the homeowner that the lead referral company is NOT their best friend, and that they do NOT go through some in debth screening process to accept contractors. They will take any contractor they can. I know more than 1 contractor listed on the biggest of these sites (you can probably guess which) that isn't even registered with the state!

crpntr8123

I found it the most useful of online co.-good luck!

handyhands

We get very few leads from them, and although just like most of the online lead generating companies--some suck, some 1/2 way decent.

With renovations experts, we get to see a "lead preview" of sorts,..If at that point we want the lead, we can buy it for $50.00.

Nice thing is, we just landed a $46,000.00 Sunroom job from them a couple days ago.

homebalance

I read some posts on this site before I signed up with these guys and 90% of them were negative. I ignored them thinking they can't be that bad and I could win them over. I was wrong!! They are digusting vampires that give you no personnal attention. Paid over $1,000 in leads and met ONE homeowner. Had numreous false emails, diconnected phone numbers and NO credits from my Scumbag Reps.!!! Don't do it fella's, They're filthy!

festerized

Renovation experts contract scam
Another builder in my area”He recently went of business” told me to call these guys for better leads instead of using SM
First let me say the salesman initials are BS, which is what I got for a sales pitch and contract
I’ll quote contract, someone tell me if I’m reading this wrong
Company reserves the right to change or modify any of the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement at any time and from time to time in its sole discretion, and to determine whether any such changes apply to both existing or future customers. Company may make changes or modifications to referenced policies or guidelines without notice to you. Your continued use of the Services following Company's posting of any changes or modifications will constitute your acceptance of such changes or modifications.
What’s stopping Renovation experts from robbing me blind???
Lead Returns. Lead returns are subject to Company's sole discretion and will be considered by Company under the following circumstances only:
(1) Lead is a duplicate of a Lead previously provided to Customer by Company; or
(2) Lead Information includes a disconnected or otherwise invalid telephone number
I asked BS if he could add “Customer must own home and be authorized for work to be completed”, He told me no!!!!!
All leads delivered to customer are deemed accepted unless, within forty eight (48) hours from the date that Company delivers Lead to the Customer, customer requests to return the lead for one of the reasons stated above
This is not what he’s selling me on the phone, he’s telling the exact opposite, I can choose or decline each lead, what BS
This is Bs reply:
David,

The first Circle - that IS the notification policy - if the company makes changes we notify you by e-mail, if 48 hours after opening the e-mail you continue using the service then we consider that you have accepted the changes.

We will give you replacement leads for any that turn out to not own their homes. The paragraph below that applies to customers who are being charged on a per send basis - they are charged by lead received. It would not apply to you.

The last circle is stating that we own the leads - that you cannot turn around and resell the leads to someone else. This prevents contractors from selling our leads to multiple people, that has happened before then they would be going to more than 4 contractors.

We cannot accept modified agreements, I can send this e-mail clarifying the terms however - hopefully this will allay your concerns.

Mylocalcontract

looks like a decent site...but $300 a month sure is steep. I am working on a contractor site that will get you leads for $10 per month. Stay tuned.

buildsmart

A qualified lead should cost anywhere from 100-200 bucks. I really dont think these Generators are going to give you gold for 30 bucks a crack. Bottom line is this. Learn how to sell properly and accept every name and number as an opportunity. If they dont answer the phone for 3 weeks, So what. Call them for 3 months. Getting qualified leads should not stop with accepting 30 dollar leads from an outsource. You have to reach out in every way possible to get leads; mailers, shows, canvassing, telemarketing, door hangers, billboards, yellow pages, websites, referrals, and networking. This can only be achieved by the non-lazy company who is hungry for success. I wish it were as easy as paying 30-50 bucks for a great lead but that is not reality.
If you are getting leads and not closing them then its simple, invest in a professional salesperson and offer them a good percentage plan. I deal with Bob Vila network and I tell you some are good and some are just not interested. Same with Reliable Remodeler. However this much I do know, at some point they were interested in some form of services or they wouldn't have filled it out online. You just have to work a little harder at getting through to your clients. Good Luck guys it is a tough business out there and only the strong will survive. Build quality jobs, with quality materials, and build good customer relationships and the business will fall your way. Good Luck

Kenny K

well said

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Replacement Windows and Vinyl Siding by Illinois Remodeling Company